Review Guidelines

Reviewer Guidelines

Responsibility of Peer Reviewers

Peer reviewers are responsible for evaluating manuscripts within their areas of expertise and providing constructive, objective, and honest feedback to authors. Reviewers should identify the strengths and weaknesses of the manuscript and suggest improvements to enhance its quality, originality, and relevance to Darussalam English Journal.

Before reviewing a manuscript, please consider the following:

  • Expertise: Is the manuscript relevant to your area of expertise? If not, please inform the editor as soon as possible and, if possible, recommend another reviewer.

  • Time Availability: Can you complete the review within the given deadline? If you need additional time, please inform the editor promptly.

  • Conflict of Interest: Please disclose any potential conflicts of interest to the editor before beginning the review.

Review Process

When reviewing a manuscript, please consider the following:

  • Title: Does the title clearly represent the main focus of the study?

  • Abstract: Does the abstract accurately summarize the purpose, methods, findings, and conclusions of the study?

  • Introduction: Does the introduction provide sufficient background, identify the research problem, review relevant literature, and clearly state the research objectives?

Content of the Article

To evaluate the originality and suitability of the manuscript, please consider the following:

  • Is the manuscript sufficiently original and free from plagiarism?

  • Does the study offer a meaningful contribution, even if related research has been conducted previously?

  • Is the topic relevant, interesting, and significant to the field of English language teaching, language studies, or related areas?

  • Does the manuscript meet the academic standards of the journal?

  • Scope: Is the manuscript consistent with the aims and scope of Darussalam English Journal?

Method

Comprehensiveness and Appropriateness

Please evaluate whether:

  • The author clearly explains the research design and data collection procedures.

  • The theoretical framework and references are appropriate for the study.

  • The research methods are suitable for answering the research questions.

  • The methodology provides sufficient information for the study to be understood and replicated where applicable.

  • The research procedures are clearly described.

  • Any new methods or approaches are explained adequately.

  • The sampling or participant selection procedures are appropriate.

  • The instruments, materials, and data analysis techniques are adequately explained.

  • The author clearly describes the types of data collected and how they were measured or analyzed.

Results

The results should be presented clearly, accurately, and logically. Reviewers should consider whether:

  • The findings are organized in a clear and logical sequence.

  • The data analysis is appropriate for the research design.

  • Statistical techniques, where applicable, are used correctly.

  • Tables, figures, and other evidence adequately support the findings.

  • The results are presented objectively and are distinguished from their interpretation.

Please suggest improvements to the analysis when necessary.

Discussion and Conclusion

Please consider the following:

  • Are the claims supported by the findings and presented reasonably?

  • Are the findings discussed in relation to relevant theories and previous studies?

  • Are similarities and differences between the findings and previous research adequately explained?

  • Are unexpected or contradictory findings discussed appropriately?

  • Does the conclusion answer the research questions and summarize the main findings?

  • Does the author explain the implications, limitations, and possible directions for future research?

Tables and Pictures

Please evaluate whether:

  • Tables, figures, and pictures are relevant to the research.

  • They are clearly presented, appropriately labeled, and easy to understand.

  • The information is consistent with the explanations in the text.

  • Sources are acknowledged where necessary.

Writing Styles

Please consider the following:

  • The manuscript demonstrates critical engagement with relevant literature.

  • The discussion remains focused on the main research topic.

  • The manuscript is written in clear, coherent, and grammatically appropriate English.

  • Academic terminology is used accurately and consistently.

  • The writing is easy to understand and interesting to read.

  • The manuscript follows the journal's formatting and submission guidelines.

Things That Need to Be Considered

Reviewers should assess the following aspects of the manuscript:

  • Relevance: The topic is relevant to English language teaching, applied linguistics, language studies, literature, or other areas covered by the journal.

  • Research Significance: The study addresses a meaningful problem or question in its field.

  • Theoretical Perspective: The manuscript presents an appropriate theoretical perspective and engages with relevant scholarly discussions.

  • Practical Implications: The findings provide useful insights for teachers, students, researchers, or other relevant stakeholders.

Originality of Research

Please evaluate the originality and contribution of the manuscript according to its type.

  • Original Research: The manuscript presents original data, analysis, or insights that contribute to existing knowledge in the relevant field.

  • Policy and Observational Research: The manuscript provides a clear and evidence-based analysis of relevant practices, policies, or educational issues and discusses their implications.

  • Practical Research (Case Study): The manuscript clearly describes the context, research process, findings, challenges, and lessons learned, with relevant implications for practice and future research.

Reference

Reviewers should assess whether:

  • The references are relevant, reliable, and appropriate for the topic.

  • The literature review includes sufficient recent and foundational sources.

  • In-text citations correspond to the reference list.

  • The references follow the journal's required citation style.

  • Sources are properly acknowledged to avoid plagiarism.

For manuscripts involving interviews, book reviews, or technology-related reviews, reviewers should also consider the accuracy, relevance, and contribution of the material to the journal's scope.

Final Review

  • All review reports and manuscript contents must be treated as confidential.

  • If you wish to discuss the manuscript with a colleague, please obtain permission from the editor first.

  • Do not contact the author directly regarding the manuscript.

  • Ethical Issues:

    Plagiarism: If you suspect plagiarism or inappropriate use of sources, inform the editor and provide relevant evidence. Research Misconduct: If you suspect fabricated, falsified, or unreliable data, report your concerns to the editor.

  • Complete and submit the review to the editorial office within the specified deadline.

  • Provide a clear recommendation, such as acceptance, minor revision, major revision, or rejection. The final decision rests with the editor.

  • When writing comments, clearly distinguish confidential comments intended only for the editor from comments intended for the author.

  • Please contact the editorial office if you have any questions or encounter difficulties during the review process.

Darussalam English Journal appreciates the time, expertise, and constructive feedback provided by reviewers in maintaining the quality and integrity of scholarly publication.